Morning Report

Sam Neill is being remembered as a truly brilliant actor, a giant of the screen and a real old-school movie star. His family announced his death in Sydney yesterday afternoon. Anya Fielding reports.

Last year there were almost 300 life saving or life-changing organ and tissue donations across the country. Organ Donation New Zealand released its 2025 Annual Activity Review showing that 60 people donated organs following their death. That meant 190 organs were able to be donated, offering lifesaving transplants. Sue Garland from Organ Donation NZ spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll continues to have Labour on top, despite a drop in support. It's sitting on 34 percent - down 1.6 percent since March, but almost six points above National, who've slumped to 28.7 percent. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to John Campbell.

A new Hauraki District Council policy will see repeat recycling offenders stripped of their bins. From September 1, residents who put the wrong things in their recycling bins will receive a series of warnings which, if ignored, will eventually result in confiscation. Chief executive of the Hauraki District Council David Spiers spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

National has fallen to its lowest level of support under Christopher Luxon in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll. The party is now sitting on 28.7 percent - down 2.1 percent since March. Brigitte Morten, Managing Director of law firm Franks Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government spoke to John Campbell.

Angry SolarZero customers say they feel forgotten as National and Labour announce plans to help more households install solar power systems. SolarZero went into liquidation in late 2024. But its 15,000 customers remain committed to their contracts, now being handled by SZ Servicing. As money correspondent Susan Edmunds reports, that's not been an easy process for some.

An early morning sports news update.

The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team.

Sir Grahame Sydney spoke to John Campbell about Neill's legacy.

An Auckland charity says New Zealand needs a 24/7 desexing clinic to tackle the country's roaming dog problem. Auckland Council's Community Director, Rachel Kelleher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.